Kojima first learned of Marinelli through his role in the Italian film They Call Me Jeeg, and a correspondence sprung up around the Japanese distribution of the film Martin Eden.

Kojima explains that during the pandemic, when he was casting for Death Stranding 2, Neil would be an important character that replaces Cliff from the first Death Stranding, and how the fans "would not be satisfied" unless the casting would surpass Mads Mikkelsen (who played Cliff in the first game).

If you want to look more like Neil, a smuggler shown in the new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer, you're in luck, because his watch is being sold by Hamilton. Unfortunately, it'll cost you more than $1,500.